New York City Mandarin Chinese After-School Program

In 1998 SWAN began with its first class of 40 students in our After-School Chinese Immersion Program. This year SWAN has grown to enroll more than 150 students.

Each day from 3:00pm – 5:30pm students from Pre-Kindergarten through the 8thgrade enjoy grade-specific Mandarin Chinese immersion language learning and education on Chinese culture and values. Most of SWAN students graduate fully fluent in Chinese, regardless of ethnic and cultural background.

A SWAN After-School education provides benefits both locally and globally. While SWAN students learn a vital and relevant language in today’s global economy, understanding Chinese culture and language also bridges community gaps in Manhattan’s robust downtown community which includes Chinatown, Alphabet City, the East Village, Soho and the Financial District.

Furthermore, SWAN exemplifies studies showing that bi-lingual early learning positively impacts academic performance. SWAN students attending day school at PS184M demonstrate over 85% – 100% pass rates annually on State English and Math scores; a performance record which has earned its status as a Federal Blue Ribbon School.

SWAN Mandarin Chinese After-School has paved the way as one of America’s first Chinese immersion programs, and has brought After-School time to new levels of excellence for its students.

Mission

Shuang Wen Academy Network (SWAN) helps students from varied social, economic and ethnic backgrounds develop proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, and acquire a greater understanding of Chinese culture, so they can become better global citizens in an increasingly competitive and demanding international environment. While providing early language learning opportunities that take full advantage of both traditional and innovative teaching techniques, advanced technologies and strategic partnerships, SWAN seeks to share its best practices and replicate its success.